Dawne MacDonald
February 25, 1976 - September 29, 2025
Dawne MacDonald, age 49, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, September 29, 2025.
Born in Wilmington, DE on February 25, 1976, she was the daughter of Nevin Blair and Karen Gay (Gilpin) Johnson. A graduate of Newark High School, Dawne earned her associate’s degree from Cecil College and her bachelor’s degree from Goldey-Beacom College. Dawne enjoyed an early career as a vet tech at Kirkwood Animal Hospital where she spent many years. She later transitioned to a corporate career, holding various administrative roles, most recently in the Physician’s Assistant program at Arcadia University.
While attending Newark High School, Dawne was a member of the marching band and a standout as a volleyball player, going on to play at Cecil College. A gifted homemaker with a love for the creative arts, she enjoyed cross-stitching, baking, and crafting, and was known for the thoughtful keepsakes and gifts she made for holidays and special occasions. Always active in church, she most recently called CityLight Vineyard Church her home. Together with her husband, Dave, she helped for a number of years to lead a group that served monthly at The Paris Foundation, providing meals as well as clothing and hygiene items to the homeless and underserved community in the Elkton, MD area. Dawne will always be remembered as a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
Since her adrenal cancer diagnosis in June, Dawne had a burning desire to share her testimony with others. Family members and friends are currently working on establishing a program that shares her story and will help support others on a similar journey. Her greatest hope was that others would come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, just as she did.
In addition to her parents, Dawne is survived by her loving husband of 13 years, David Michael MacDonald; children, Kenzie Renay MacDonald and Kirby Lachlan MacDonald; brothers, Derek Johnson (Karen) and Dayle Johnson (Beth); several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 pm until 4 pm on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Reach Church, 2880 Summit Bridge Road, Bear, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dawne’s memory to CityLight Vineyard Church, P.O. Box 5586, Newark, DE 19714 or online by clicking here; and The Paris Foundation, P.O. Box 812, Elkton, MD 21922 or online by clicking here.
Pam Hughes
My sincere sympathy to you and your family. I’m friends with your mom Sue. With love Pam Hughes
Karen Hutton
David,
We may not understand why our Lord decided to take Dawne home to Heaven to be with Him at such a young age, but we know that we will see her one day when we get there. She was such a bright light in her faith. We will miss her.
May God continue to surround you, Kenzie and Kirby with His comfort and love, not only in the days ahead but in the weeks, months and even years ahead. Draw strength from our Lord and those around you.
Remember, “Absent from the body, Present with the Lord.” “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.”
Dawne has reached the ultimate goal – she is present with her Lord and Savior.
We love you, Karen and Jr. Hutton
Chaviva B Israel
Dear family,
I leave my deepest sympathies to the family of Dawn. Even though we worked together for a little over a year, I would like for you all to know that it was a pleasant honor working with her. She will be missed. Please stay strong, and blessings to you all.
God Bless
Chaviva Israel
Carol Kidwell
Holding everyone in my thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs to all.
Jack Chen
Condolences.
Beth Harper
Dave, you’ve been in my prayers often lately. May you feel the love of the Father for you as you grieve.
💜 Beth
Michelle Robinson
Dawne was a kind and beautiful person. I will always remember her and your precious family as we would share a pew on Sunday’s. Kenzie and Kirby were tiny and Dawne would give me a look cause she knew I wanted to hold Kirby. Sweet precious memories with you and your family that I cherish. Praying for you Kenzie, and Kirby as you navigate through this extremely difficult time. Love and prayers, Michelle ❤️
Erin Wolf
Dear family and friends,
It was a privilege to work alongside Dawne at Arcadia’s PA program. Her sincerity, kindness, dedication to perfection, and unmatched attention to detail were present in everything she did. Her friendly demeanor brightened each day for those around her. She is greatly missed. Our team is truly grateful for the time we shared with her, and we continue to keep her family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Erin
Christopher Bock
She was a force to be reckoned with! Her passing will certainly be difficult to deal with. You my condolences!
Danyelle
Dave, Kenzie, and Kirby!
Continuing to pray for all of you as you navigate through this tremendous loss. I can’t even imagine as a spouse or a young child what this looks like as each day progresses. I know you serve an awesome and great God and have the faith that He will guide you through each day from here to eternity – I believe and have that faith as well.
Your family is beautiful and I always enjoyed chatting it up with you and Dawne (mostly you, LOL). Dawne’s spirit was quiet, but she was very sweet. I think I met you before Kenzie was born and if my memory serves me correctly, Kenzie was baby Jesus in ‘A Time for Christmas!’ Great memories!
With all the Love of Christ❤️,
Danyelle W.
Joy Hickman Mines
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace over everyone in the family. I cannot imagine how you all are moving forward with your days but I pray that God gives you strength daily!
Michelle Thal
When Dawne started at Arcadia, she introduced herself as Dawne with an “e” and MacDonald like the farmer, not the clown. Somehow that processed through my brain as her living on farm. A short while later, I asked where her farm was and we shared a laugh at my confusion. It continued to be a running joke between us and I will think of her when I hear MacDonald. I am thankful for that small moment with her. May God’s love and the love you share bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Michelle Thal
Lois Ross
I remember Dawne and her brothers growing up in St Paul’s Lutheran church in Newark. I’m so sorry Karen Gay and Nevin. It’s difficult to lose a child. My condolences to you and all of her family.
Bonnie Campbell
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!!! ❤️🙏
Merie Daniel Perry
I will keep the family in prayers . Sending my condolences. I got know Dawne through my daughter being friends with Kenzie . Dawne showed compassion, thoughtfulness , and just a loving spirit . She will truly be missed . Many hugs
Richard & Janet Grayson
Dear Nevin and Karen Gay
So sorry to hear about Dawne. Chas told us about your loss. He too is a physician assistant living in Wenatchee,WA. We are praying for your family.
Rich & Janet Grayson
Troop 56
Taliah Wakefield
I am grateful to have shared time with Dawne at Arcadia and I am deeply saddened by the news of her passing. I pray for her family and everyone who loved her…. comfort, strength and lots of love. You are and will remain in my thoughts and prayers always.
With love,
Taliah<3